Curb-cock lock



July 6 1926.

F. R. PRETTI CURB COCK LOCK Filed Oct. 25, 1924 INVENTOR 77mm R ETTI- W\ ATTORNEY Patented July 6, 1926.

OFFECE.

FRANK R. IPR-E'T'II, OF OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

CURB-COCK LocK.

Application filed Getobcr 25, 1924.

My invention is an improved lock for con trol cocks, and particularly for the curb cocks used by gas and water companies.

The object of my invention is to provide a lock which may be readily attached to the cock, and which cannot be removed, until unlocked by a key.

Another object is to provide a lock which is simple in construction, and inexpensive to manufacture, and which cannot be readily broken or tampered With. My lock comprises a pivotally connected cap adaptedto fit over the head of a gas cock or the like and by means of a lock and key being locked to gether.

In the annexed drawing in which my invention is illustrated Figure 1 is a side view of my lock secured to a cock.

Figure 2 is a plan View of the same.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side view of my lock with one half swung upwardly.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, my lock consists .of a pair of substantially semicylindrical sections 1 and 2 hinged together at the top as at 3. These sections are adapted to close around the head 1- of the cock 5, as will be described.

The sections 1 and 2 each have an annular groove 6 and 7 respectively formed adjacent the lower edge thereof. These grooves are adapted to receive a ring 8 formed on the cock 5 below the head i. In operation the sections 1 and 2 are swung apart and then closed over the head 4, and with the ring 8 fitting in the grooves 6 and 7. When the sections are locked in this position it will be seen that they cannot be removed from the cock. The lower edges 01 the sections 1 and 2 are cliamfered off as at 99 to fit over the ends 10-1O oi. the cock 5, thus preventing the look from turning.

The sections 1 and 2 are locked together by a latch 11, pivoted to a pin 12 on the inside of the section 1, and having a rearwardly extending finger 13 formed thereon. A spring 14 is coiled around the pin 12 Serial No. 745,800.

and secured to the latch 11 to normally force it downwardly.

A. lug 15 on the section 2 is adapted to be engaged by the latch 11, thus locking the two sections together.

A key 16 is adapted to extend through the section 1, and engage the finger 13 to release the latch 11 from the lug 15, when it is desired to remove the lock. My lock distinguishes 't'rom other valve guards or locks in that it only incloses the head of the valve so that it cannot be turned and does not inclose the whole valve.

My lock in reality comprises a cap formed of two sections which may be considered havin a top wall and depending skirts, the top wall being connected by the hinge 3. The ends of the skirts have a groove 6 and 7 which may be formed by an inturned flange on the lower ends of the skirts. This groove is to engage a ring or shoulder 8 on the valve head. It will be noted that my lock does not engage the square head 1 of the valve but merely encases this square head. In valve locks which engage the head it is sometimes possible to sui'ficiently turn the whole cage, or the like forming the lock sufficiently to turn on the valve.

\ Having described my invention, I claim A valve lock comprising in combination a pair of sections adapted to fit over the head of a valve, and means to lock said sections together, said locking means comprising a latch member having a forwardly extending hooked end portion and a rearwardly extending finger portion, said latch member being pivotally mounted upon one of said sections, a spring normally holding said latch member in operative position, a lug formed upon the other of said sections adapted to be engaged by said member and means for exerting pressure upon said real wardly extending portion and moving said latch member against the action of said spring.

In testimony whereof I aflixmy signature.

F BANK PRETTI, 

